If you’ve spent any time at Langdon House in Chesterton recently, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Claudia – a warm, creative, and familiar face on the Lifestyles team. But on Sundays, you might spot a second spark of energy by her side: her 15-year-old daughter, Paloma, who has been volunteering alongside her mum to the delight of residents and the team alike.
While Claudia tries not to bring her work home with her, she’s certainly brought a bit of home to work. Paloma, a student at Chesterton Community College, has become a regular weekend presence at Langdon House as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Whether it’s joining in with arts and crafts, helping with games, or simply brightening the room with her lively personality, Paloma has quickly become a much-loved part of the Langdon family.
“It’s great to get to know the residents and to feel welcomed and useful when I come in,” says Paloma. With two brothers at home, she’s used to keeping busy – and her energy doesn’t stop there. A keen footballer since the age of five, Paloma plays for both Cambridge City and Cambridge United in the Junior Premier League, as well as representing her school team. It’s this same energy and enthusiasm that our residents adore.
For Claudia, working at Langdon House is more than just a job – it’s a vocation. American-born and formerly a part of the corporate world, she made the move to Cambridge when her husband, a scientist, had the opportunity to study for his PHD at the prestigious Cambridge University. After several years loving her role as a stay-at-home mum with her three children in the UK, Claudia found new purpose in joining the Lifestyles team.
“The Lifestyles role is a lot of fun and very rewarding,” she says. “I love being creative and spending time with our residents. It’s really special to see their faces light up during a great activity or on a day out. I love coming to work and that’s a great thing to be able to say.”
She’s the first to say that not every day in the care home is the same – and that’s part of the joy. “Every day is different, and having Paloma come in as a volunteer is great. An extra pair of hands is always helpful – and it’s even better when they belong to your daughter!”
Together, Claudia and Paloma embody the sense of warmth, family, and community that makes Langdon House such a special place.
